Valve island for hydraulic assembly and hydraulic assembly with valve island

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve island (1) for a hydraulic assembly, and a hydraulic assembly comprising the valve island (1). The valve island (1) and the hydraulic assembly are provided for a dialysis machine. The valve island (1) has a main portion (2, 27) in which at least one fluid flow duct (3) is formed. The main portion (2, 27) is manufactured by additive manufacturing or injection molding. The hydraulic assembly comprises a support on which the at least one valve island (1) is directly or indirectly disposed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve island for a hydraulic assembly in a dialysis machine, or a valve island of a hydraulic assembly in a dialysis machine, a hydraulic assembly with a valve island, and a dialysis machine with a corresponding hydraulic assembly including a valve island. [Background technology]

[0002] Dialysis devices / machines in medical technology typically include a hydraulic system or assembly employing a valve unit in which (electromagnetically switched) valves can selectively block or open the inputs and outputs of the fluid line components of the dialysis machine to create the desired fluid flow path.

[0003] A conventional valve unit for a dialysis machine, such as that described in Patent EP895787, uses a basic structure in which the balancing device of the dialysis machine is connected to the hydraulic system via solenoid valves. The solenoid valves function as shutoff valves (on / off valves) for the inlet and outlet of the balance chamber of the balancing device. A central control unit drives the solenoid valves to form the desired fluid flow paths.

[0004] However, the disadvantage of this solution is that the valve unit has many individual components and the assembly has a correspondingly large installation size.

[0005] In other solutions in medical technology, this type of valve unit uses a central mounting seat in which the solenoid valve is fixed to form a central section or valve island in the hydraulic system. According to the prior art, for example, an insert seat is used in which the solenoid valve is attached via a threaded connection.

[0006] However, the disadvantage of this solution is that assembly and repair always requires tools to tighten or loosen the valve, which not only increases the required installation space but also increases the assembly process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve island, particularly for a dialysis machine or a general hydraulic assembly / hydraulic system for a dialysis machine, and a hydraulic assembly / hydraulic system including a valve island, which can reduce assembly work and at the same time reduce the installation size of the valve island. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is solved by a valve island for / in a hydraulic assembly (hydraulic system) according to claim 1, a hydraulic assembly (hydraulic system) according to claim 10 comprising a valve island, and a dialysis machine according to claim 18 comprising a hydraulic assembly (hydraulic system) comprising a valve island.

[0009] Thus, the core of the present disclosure essentially consists in the arrangement of a valve island having a base body in / on which at least one fluid line (tube / fluid passage) is integrally / formed from one piece of material, at at least one, preferably both, axial ends (front sides) of which in each case hydraulic / pressure components, in particular valves and more preferably solenoid valves, are arranged / mounted, via which the fluid connection between the respective (preferably end / front side) fluid line opening and the component-side / valve-side tributary line / passage can be opened and / or closed. The integral fluid line with the base body or fluid line formed from one piece of material further has several (at least one or more) branch connections (spouts), which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the fluid line and, if possible, which are offset circumferentially and which are integrally formed with the base body. Preferably, in each case one spout is assigned to only one (solenoid) valve provided on the front side, and the spouts are fluidly separated from one another (e.g. by a partition wall in the integrated fluid line) so that the two (solenoid) valves are substantially axially separated at the end sides. Furthermore, further ports may be formed in one piece on the integrated fluid line, e.g. for the optional connection of additional (solenoid) valves. Finally, several (at least one) attachment / retention means (protrusions, hooks, tabs, etc.) may be formed in one piece on the base body, which are provided and configured to fix the base body to a separate holder / platform (not belonging to the valve island).

[0010] This structural design of the valve island according to the present disclosure allows its base body (including all components integrally provided according to the above design) to be constructed in a single section / single material in a single manufacturing step, particularly using injection molding or 3D printing processes (rapid prototyping processes). The connections on the integrated fluid lines formed in the process (simultaneously) allow for the subsequent assembly of (solenoid) valves, external fluid lines, temperature / electrical conductivity / pressure / flow sensors, and similar hydraulic / pressure components without the use of tools. Therefore, manufacturing a valve island designed in this way is inexpensive and simple. Since the mounting means are also preferably integrated into the base body, the installation of the valve island into a machine, preferably a dialysis machine, is rapid.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve island for a hydraulic assembly or a valve island of a hydraulic assembly is provided for or in an extracorporeal blood treatment device, preferably a dialysis device. The valve island comprises a base body having at least one, particularly rigid, fluid flow path (integral fluid line) formed therein. The base body is configured as described above and is preferably manufactured by additive manufacturing or injection molding.

[0012] By using 3D printing or injection molding processes, the base body can be manufactured in a single step. One or more integrated fluid channels can be variably designed. In injection molding, interchangeable inserts can be used for this purpose. The at least one integrated fluid channel is preferably rigid and can therefore also assume a load-bearing function. This self-supporting feature allows the elimination of valve islands and conventional housings for hydraulic assemblies.

[0013] In a further development of the valve island, at least one valve mounting part is formed / arranged (in one piece with the base body) and provided at at least one axial end / end portion of the integral fluid flow passage as configured above. The valve mounting part may be formed, for example, as a coil element, in particular a coil carrier for a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve itself, a valve seat, a control edge, a simple thread or bayonet fitting, or any other type of valve mounting part.

[0014] The valve mounting or solenoid valve may be removably / rotatably arranged on the base body, and the valve mounting is preferably manufactured additively, or more preferably by injection molding. Various variations of the solenoid valve, valve seat, etc. can be manufactured using injection molding tools. In particular, a valve mounting formed on the base body from a single piece of material (e.g., in the form of the coil mounting body described above) reduces the number of individual parts that need to be attached to the base body. In other words, the number of individual parts or components required is reduced. This further reduces the assembly time required for this purpose. Furthermore, it efficiently reduces the installation space that needs to be planned for the entire hydraulic assembly provided for this purpose.

[0015] The valve mounting portion is arranged together with a valve seat and can perform the function of a media isolation valve to ensure contamination safety of the extracorporeal fluid circuit.

[0016] In a further development of the valve island, at least one solenoid valve located in front of the integrated fluid flow path is held in the base body so that it can be rotated axially, typically in steps of 45° or less. This allows the cable routing of the valve section to be individually adapted or oriented and optimized in terms of material requirements and accessibility during assembly and servicing. The valve is preferably mechanically fixed to prevent it from rotating automatically, further reducing cable length.

[0017] In a further development of the valve island, at least one, in particular hollow-cylindrical, connecting receptacle (previously called port) is formed integrally with the base body, via which (further) hydraulic components can be connected, in particular are connected, in a fluid- and form-fitting manner, in particular radially-tightly / radially-tightly, to at least one fluid flow path. The connecting receptacle may be injection-molded into the base body by injection molding or 3D printing. It is thus possible to fit other hydraulic components, such as (further) valves, tube connections, conductivity measuring sensors, pressure measuring sensors, temperature sensors, pressure regulators, throttles, pressure reducing valves, etc., in a radially-tight manner into the base body.

[0018] In a further development of the valve island, the connecting receptacle (port), in particular in the form of a hollow cylinder, has at least one, preferably several, recesses (longitudinal grooves) on its circumferential side, especially on its inner circumferential side, into which hydraulic components specifically adapted for this purpose can be inserted. In other words, the connecting receptacle has a connecting portion formed with a specific profile, into which the hydraulic component (further valve) can be inserted / fitted in a rotationally fixed manner and, optionally, in a predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting portion. In this way, rotation of the hydraulic component relative to the connecting receptacle can be prevented. Such anti-rotation devices, for example via serrations (grooves), allow for improved orientation of the hydraulic components with respect to the wiring of the dialysis machine, in particular the hoses and cable wiring or wiring harness. Alternatively, the anti-rotation devices can have different shapes with different dimensions. This can be used to implement error prevention principles, such as the "poka-yoke principle." For example, in one case, only one (single) orientation of the component is possible. For axial fixation of the hydraulic element in the connecting receptacle, a clip-shaped locking pin is preferably provided, which can be inserted laterally into the connecting receptacle and thus prevents axial removal / withdrawal of the hydraulic element out / from the connecting receptacle.

[0019] In a further development of the valve island, at least one spout is formed from a single piece of material with the base body, through which an external fluid line is fluidly connectable, specifically connected to at least one integral fluid flow path. The at least one spout can be molded into the base body by injection molding or printed by 3D printing.

[0020] The diameter of the at least one spout can be variable. At least one spout is provided for connecting or piping a fluid line, particularly with an inner diameter of 2-6 mm. The fluid line is specifically a tube, but may alternatively be a pipe. The base body preferably has two to three or four to six spouts. The number of spouts can be expanded up to seven.

[0021] In a further development of the valve island, at least one fluidic and possibly mechanical connection part is formed integrally with the base body, via which preferably a sensor component, in particular a hydraulic sensor component, can be fluidic and possibly also mechanically connected, in particular connected. This allows a radially tight / radially tight fit or connection of a sensor component, such as a conductivity measuring sensor, a pressure measuring sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., to the base body. Alternatively, other hydraulic components, such as (further) valves, tube couplings, pressure regulators, throttles, pressure reducing valves, etc., can be connected.

[0022] In a further development of the valve island, at least one connection part is formed on the base body, via which the valve island can be connected, in particular is connected, to a connection part of a hydraulic assembly or a mounting adapter suited thereto.

[0023] In a further development of the valve island, at least two recesses, in particular two bores, are formed in the base body, through which fastening means, in particular cable ties, can pass. Alternatively, a different number of bores, for example four bores, can be formed / provided in the base body, allowing for fastening adapted to the corresponding situation. The fastening means are intended to provide strain relief for at least one cable or cable harness.

[0024] In a further development of the valve island, at least one receptacle, specifically a plug window, is formed in the base body, into which a plug housing can be received. Alternatively, two plug windows can be formed in the base body, each of which can receive a plug housing. The plug windows can receive either the load line plug housing or the sensor line plug housing.

[0025] In a further development of the valve island, the hydraulic component is a valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is fluidly and form-fittingly, in particular radially, tightly connected (at the front) to at least one integrated fluid flow channel via a connecting receptacle arranged / formed on the end side of the integrated fluid flow channel. In a further development of the valve island, the valve has a valve seat, in particular manufactured by additive manufacturing or injection molding.

[0026] In a further development of the valve island, the valve has a connecting part, in particular a frustoconical connecting part, which is inserted into the above-mentioned connecting receptacle and axially fixed via an attachment element, in particular a mounting clip (split pin as defined above). The connecting part can be manufactured by injection molding or additive manufacturing. By inserting the frustoconical connecting part into the connecting receptacle, a fluidically and radially tight connection is established. Via this fluidically and radially tight connection, the base body and the fluid flow channels of the valve are connected. The attachment element (split pin) can be manufactured by injection molding or additive manufacturing, or can be manufactured as a stamped or wire-bent part.

[0027] In a further development of the valve island, the aforementioned connecting part has an element, in particular a protrusion, that is adapted to fit into at least one recess of the connecting receptacle, the protrusion of the connecting part engaging in the recess of the connecting receptacle, thereby preventing the valve part from rotating relative to the base body.

[0028] In a further development of the valve island, the connecting part has a sealing element, in particular an O-ring, in its cross section, in particular around the tip, in order to seal the fluid flow passage formed.

[0029] In a further development of the valve island, the valve has a valve portion, in particular a coil element, which can be designed axially relative to the connecting portion or at an angle (for example at an angle of about 90°) relative to the connecting portion.

[0030] In a further development of the valve island, the valve portion is axially rotatable in steps of specifically 45° or less.

[0031] In a further development of the valve island, the valve has at least one spout (a valve-side branch passage as defined above), via which an external fluid line, in particular a pipe or tube, is fluidly connectable, in particular connected, to at least one integral fluid flow path.

[0032] The at least one spout may be designed axially relative to the connection portion and / or valve portion, for example at an angle of about 90°.

[0033] The valve may have two or more spouts formed axially or angled, for example at about 90°, relative to each other.

[0034] In another further development of the valve island, the valve has a fluidic and possibly mechanical connection portion via which components, in particular hydraulic components, can be, and in particular are, fluidically and possibly mechanically connected to the valve.

[0035] Examples of hydraulic components are, for example, other valves, in particular snap-in valves, tube couplings, conductivity measuring sensors, pressure measuring sensors, temperature sensors, pressure regulators, throttles, pressure reducing valves or similar sensor components.

[0036] The fluidic and possibly mechanical connection part may be designed axially relative to the coupling part and / or the valve part and / or the at least one spout or may be angled, for example at an angle of 90°.

[0037] In a further development of the valve island, a mixing element for mixing the fluids is integrated into the fluid flow path of the valve / valves, the valves preferably being hydraulic check valves or hydraulic solenoid valves.

[0038] In another further development of the valve island, the mixing element is integrated into the valve seat of the valve, which is preferably a hydraulic solenoid valve, in particular a snap-in valve.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the valve island, the mixing element is tubular and extends axially along its length within the fluid flow path of the valve.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the valve island, the hydraulic component is a mixing element that is fluidly and conformably connected to one fluid flow path or to said at least one fluid flow path via said connecting receptacle / connecting receptacle.

[0041] In a further development of the valve island where the hydraulic component is a mixing element, the mixing element preferably has a completely cylindrical shape. A plurality of flow channels are formed within the solid cylindrical mixing element in the direction of elongation of the mixing element. The flow channels are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the central axis of the mixing element to form a plurality of passages for the fluid flowing therethrough. The flow channels extend in the axial direction of the valve's fluid flow channel and / or in the direction of fluid flow.

[0042] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the valve island, some of the plurality of flow channels, specifically some of the eight flow channels, are arranged circumferentially and equidistantly close to the outer periphery of the mixing element. Another portion of the plurality of flow channels, specifically some of the four flow channels, are arranged equidistantly close to the circumferential central axis. The radial distance from the central axis of some of the plurality of flow channels is uniform in each case. Similarly, the radial distance from the central axis of the other portion of the plurality of flow channels is uniform.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the valve island, the cross-sectional shape of some of the plurality of flow channels is different from the cross-sectional shape of other portions of the plurality of flow channels, the cross-sectional shape of some of the plurality of flow channels being preferably circular, and the cross-sectional shape of other portions of the plurality of flow channels being preferably polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

[0044] In a further development of the valve island, the mixing element, in particular the frusto-conical connecting portion, is inserted into the connecting receptacle and fixed there via a mounting element, in particular a mounting clip.

[0045] In a further development of the valve island, the mixing elements are produced by additive manufacturing or injection molding.

[0046] In a further development of the valve island, the mixing element can be manufactured integrally with the connecting portion by injection molding or additive manufacturing. The mixing element can function as a first component, e.g., a pre-molded part, and then be integrally connected to the second component, e.g., the connecting portion, by injection molding, e.g., overmolded. The first and second components can be made of different materials.

[0047] By inserting the frustoconical connecting portion into the connecting receptacle, a fluidly and radially tight connection is established, via which the fluid flow passage of the base body and the mixing element are connected.

[0048] The mixing element may, for example, be directly integrated into a subassembly including a valve, in particular a check valve, a mounting clip, and a conductivity measurement sensor.

[0049] The mixing element may be secured against rotation about the longitudinal / central axis of the valve's fluid flow path by an anti-rotation device.

[0050] Another aspect of the present invention is a hydraulic assembly for one or more extracorporeal blood treatment devices, comprising a carrier having at least one valve island disposed thereon, indirectly or directly, according to the first aspect.

[0051] The carrier is suitable for modular assembly of at least one component, but preferably a plurality of components. The carrier may be a tower, in particular an assembly tower.

[0052] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the carrier specifically has only one surface or plane on which one or more valve islands and / or other components are positioned, which has the advantage that there are no components blocking the passageway that may need to be disassembled to access a particular valve island and / or other component during maintenance or repair of the hydraulic assembly.

[0053] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, at least one valve island and / or other components within a common surface or plane or assembly plane are mountable or removable from the common side.

[0054] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the carrier has at least one adapted connection part which is connected in particular tool-free to a connection part of the base body.

[0055] This connection can in particular be realized according to the keyhole principle, in which at least a male connection element can be inserted (hooked) into at least a female connection receptacle, although other tool-free connection variants, such as the plug-in principle, are also possible.

[0056] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the hydraulic assembly has a mounting adapter with an adapted connecting part which is connected in particular without tools to a connecting part of the base body and has at least one secondary connecting part which is connected to the carrier.

[0057] This connection can in particular also be realized according to the keyhole principle, in which at least a male connection element can be inserted (hooked) into at least a female connection receptacle. However, as already configured above, other tool-free connection variants are also possible, such as the plug-in principle, the hook principle, etc. The secondary connection part of the mounting adapter can be a press-fit or tool-free connection to the carrier.

[0058] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the mounting adapter is a spacer, through which the base body is arranged approximately parallel to the surface or the respective mounting angle, and through which the base body is arranged angularly to the surface or the respective plane.

[0059] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the connection of the valve island to the carrier or mounting adapter is locked, in particular via a locking element, which can be an expansion clip, a wedge pin, or the like.

[0060] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the carrier is an assembly tower. The assembly tower has a mounting plate or the like that serves as a mounting surface or plane for at least one valve island and / or other hydraulic component. The mounting plate may be provided in a U-shaped frame or a box-shaped housing. The mounting plate may be arranged parallel to and centered between the front and rear walls of the housing, thereby forming front and rear spaces bounded by the mounting plate. Further valve islands or other hydraulic components may be attached or suspended, preferably without tools, from the inner surfaces formed in the respective spaces.

[0061] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the mounting angle is attached to an insertion seat suitable for insertion or sliding into the hydraulic assembly, in particular into the assembly tower.

[0062] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the latter has at least one subassembly that is arranged remote from the valve island and indirectly or directly on the carrier, in particular by hanging and / or screwing.

[0063] The subassembly forms a further mounting surface or plane that is parallel to the mounting surface or plane of the carrier, for example, the mounting surface or plane of the carrier may be provided with a flat recess at the edge into which the subassembly is or will be inserted flatly.

[0064] In a further development of the hydraulic assembly, the subassembly includes at least one balance chamber. A hydraulic component, such as a valve, especially a solenoid valve, can be connected to the balance chamber. The connection can be secured via a mounting element, especially a mounting clip. The balance chamber can be manufactured additively or by injection molding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0065] The above-mentioned objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be further elaborated upon in the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of one side of a valve island according to a first configuration example of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another side surface of the valve island according to the first configuration example of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A-1E are schematic diagrams of several embodiments a) to e) of a snap-in valve connectable to a valve island, the snap-in valve comprising a coupling portion axially arranged relative to the coil element. [Figure 4] Schematic diagrams of several embodiments a) to e) of a snap-in valve connectable to a valve island, with a connection at a 90° angle to the coil element. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the individual components of a valve island configuration according to a first example configuration, including a snap-in valve, a mounting clip, an extension clip, and a carrier connection portion. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a connecting receptacle of a valve island having a mounting clip according to a first configuration example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the front side of a valve island according to a second configuration example of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the mounting side of a valve island according to a second configuration example of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram of the individual components of a valve island configuration according to a second example configuration having a snap-in valve, an extension clip, a mounting adapter, and a carrier connection portion. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the overall configuration of a second configuration example of the valve island. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic assembly having a balance chamber and a valve island according to a second exemplary configuration. [Figure 12]1 is a schematic diagram of a valve island according to a first configuration example attached to a mounting angle attached to an insertion seat. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the individual components of a subassembly comprising a mixing element. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram of the individual parts of a further configuration of the subassembly with a modification of the mixing element. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a further modification of the mixing element. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further modification of a mixing element connected in series to a linkage. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] <Configuration example> Configuration examples of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal side of a valve island 1 (perspective view) according to a first configuration example of the present disclosure.

[0069] The valve island 1 has a base body 2. The base body 2 is manufactured using additive manufacturing or injection molding. The base body 2 is integrally / single-formed with the base body 2 (inner, rigid) and thus comprises (has) a fluid flow path 3 that fulfills the self-supporting function of the valve island 1. The base body 2 further has a plurality of spouts or connection nozzles 4 formed integrally / single-formed with the base body 2. The plurality of spouts or connection nozzles 4 are connected to the fluid flow path 3, preferably in a T-shaped (fluid connection) manner, and are provided and configured for the connection of external hydraulic lines or tubes. The spouts 4 are preferably molded on the base body 2 and directed radially outward from the fluid flow path 3.

[0070] Respective axial valve seats (not shown) are preferably provided or formed in / on the fluid flow passage 3 in or at the two axial ends / end portions of the fluid flow passage 3. Each valve seat is opened and closed by a movable valve element (valve piston) driven by a coil element (electric valve coil) 5 arranged in the base body 2 or the fluid flow passage 3, respectively. The coil elements 5 of the two valves arranged at the axial ends are arranged axially outward at the axial ends / end portions of the fluid flow passage 3. The coil elements 5 are held in the base body 2 so as to be rotatable about their axis, i.e., around the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow passage 3, in angular steps of 45° or in steps smaller than 45°.

[0071] The base body 2 also has, in the region of the valve seat, a hollow cylindrical connecting receptacle (port) 6, which is suitable for fluid connection and form-fit (mechanical) connection with another hydraulic component. The connecting receptacle 6 is preferably molded on the base body 2 and directed radially (preferably T-shaped) outward from the fluid flow passage 3. The hollow cylindrical connecting receptacle 6 has a number of recesses 7 on its inner circumference, preferably at equal circumferential distances, which are suitable and provided for receiving elements of another hydraulic component applied thereto. The base body 2 also has, next to the fluid flow passage 3, a bore 8 that passes completely through the base body 2 laterally, into which a fastening means such as a screw, rivet, or band (not shown) can be inserted.

[0072] In other words, the valve island according to the present disclosure comprises a base body 2 including, in one piece of material, both a fluid flow passage 3 and a (block-shaped) portion in which a bore 8 is formed. The fluid flow passage 3 has two axially spaced ends / end portions, to which the aforementioned solenoid valves are attached, preferably rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the passage. Each valve is provided with an electrically actuable valve coil, via which the respective movable valve body is movable to open and close the valve, fluidly connecting and / or disconnecting the fluid flow passage 3 from the branch line. The valve seat, which can be opened and closed by the valve body, is formed directly in front of the fluid flow passage 3 or integrally with the solenoid valve. As an alternative to the rotatability of the valve / solenoid coil within the valve described above, it (or its receiving housing) can also be formed integrally with the base body 2.

[0073] 2 is a schematic diagram of another side of the valve island 1, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a first exemplary configuration of the present disclosure. Three fluid connection portions 9 are formed on the other side of the base body 2, which are suitable for connecting / coupling, for example, sensors or display devices. The connection portions 9 are shown in the form of connection nozzles, which are preferably oriented in a T-shape relative to the fluid flow path 3. The base body 2 further comprises plug windows 10, which are suitable for receiving and passing wiring or electrical load lines of the valve coil and are provided for this purpose, and are located adjacent to the fluid flow path 3.

[0074] Another side view of the valve island 1 shown in FIG. 2 shows a connecting part or mounting flange 11 in the region of the aforementioned block-shaped part of the base body 2, which is formed of a single piece of material on the base body 2. The connecting part 11 is suitable for and provided for (mechanically) connecting the valve island 1 to a connecting part (mounting flange) of a hydraulic assembly or a mounting adapter suited thereto. The connecting part 11 preferably consists of a connecting base plate 12 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the valve island 1, parallel to the fluid flow path 3 of the base body 2. At the longitudinal ends of the connecting base plate 12, spaced apart along the fluid flow path 3, two male connecting elements 13 (positioning bases / hanging pins) are formed, which are suitable for and provided for insertion into or hanging from respective female connecting receptacles (tabs / bores) of a hydraulic assembly, for example. The web of the male connecting element 13 protrudes from the connecting base plate 12 and terminates in a head element having a diameter several times the web diameter. The head element spans a plane parallel to the plane of the connecting base plate 10, i.e. it is plate-shaped and therefore forms an undercut corresponding to the hook.

[0075] 3 and 4 show various configurations of snap-in valves 14 provided for installation in a connecting receptacle (port) 6. The snap-in valves 14 are preferably solenoid valves as examples of hydraulic components. The snap-in valves 14 are suitable for and provided to be inserted into the connecting receptacle 6 of the valve island 1 via their connecting portion 15 in order to be radially tightly and form-fittingly connected to the fluid flow passage 3 of the base body 2. The snap-in valves 14 have a valve seat 16 that can be opened and closed via a movable valve body to open and close the internal fluid flow passage of the snap-in valve 14. The snap-in valves 14 further include an electric coil element 17, as in the valve island 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0076] The connecting portion 15 of the snap-in valve 14 of Figures 3 and 4 tapers in a frustoconical manner from the base to the flat tip. In the axial (longitudinal) direction of the connecting portion 15, the connecting portion 15 has a radial recess extending radially inward toward the outer periphery of the fluid flow passage of the connecting portion 15. Around the periphery of the tip portion, an O-ring 18 is arranged as a sealing element, which is suitable and provided for forming a connection of the fluid flow passage formed in the valve island 1 in a radially sealing manner.

[0077] Various configurations of snap-in valve 14 include one or more spouts 19 connected to the internal fluid flow path of snap-in valve 14 and provided for connection of an external hydraulic line or tubing. Further, in addition to one or more spouts 19, some of the snap-in valve 14 configurations may include a connection portion 20 suitable for and provided for connection / coupling of, for example, a sensor or indicating instrument.

[0078] The configurations a) to e) of Figure 3 of the snap-in valve 14 have a connecting portion 15 formed axially relative to the coil element 17. The configurations of the snap-in valve 14 of Figures 4a) to e) differ essentially from that of Figure 3 in that the connecting portion 15 is here formed at an angle of 90° relative to the coil element 17.

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the individual components of the valve island 1 configuration according to a first configuration example (exploded view) with a snap-in valve 14, a mounting clip 22 as a mounting element / axial fixing element, a valve lock element 23 and a carrier / valve island holder connection part / retaining plate 24 as a mounting interface.

[0080] The bottom of the connecting portion 15 of the snap-in valve 14 (corresponding to the end disk that axially bounds the connecting portion 15) has a circular front surface that orients the connecting portion 15 in the axial direction, and the fluid flow passage of the snap-in valve 14 is located at its center with a diameter smaller than that of the circular front surface. Two protrusions 21 are located on the circular front surface, which protrude axially from the circular front surface toward the connecting portion 15 and extend radially above and below the fluid flow passage of the snap-in valve 14, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5 . In the connected state (when the snap-in valve 14 is inserted into the port 6), the protrusions 21 of the connecting portion 15 engage with the respective recesses 7 of the connecting receptacle / port 6, thereby preventing the snap-in valve 14 from rotating axially relative to the valve island 1.

[0081] The connection part 24 of the carrier has two female connection receptacles 25, which are arranged spaced apart one above the other as shown in Figure 5 and are designed in the form of keyholes, suitable and provided for fixing two male connection elements 13 of each of the valve islands 1 to the connection part 24 of the carrier, for example by hooking them into the female connection receptacles 25.

[0082] The valve lock element 23 is conical and suitable for locking the valve island 1 in the connecting part 24 of the carrier. To lock the valve island 1, the valve lock element 23 is inserted / pushed through a U-shaped part of the connecting base plate 12 (see FIG. 2) of the valve island 1 which protrudes laterally from the longitudinal extension of the connecting base plate 12 (see FIG. 5) and through a bore 26 provided in the carrier for this purpose, and is locked / fixed by a radial expansion effect.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the connecting receptacle 6 of the valve island 1 equipped with a mounting clip 22 according to the first configuration example. The mounting clip 22 has bases from the upper and lower ends, with parallel legs extending at 90° angles to each other and forming a U-shape with the bases. To mount the snap-in valve 14, the legs of the mounting clip 22 are inserted radially into the locking opening of the connecting receptacle 6, partially surrounding the fluid flow path of the connecting portion 15 inserted into the radial recess. The connecting portion 15 is axially fixed by the spring force of the legs of the mounting clip 22.

[0084] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing the front side and the mounting side of a valve island 1 according to a second configuration example of the present disclosure.

[0085] The valve island 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the valve island 1 according to the first embodiment by a base body 27 on which a further (second) independent fluid flow passage is formed, which is preferably connected to the base body 27 by a continuous piece of material axially parallel to the first fluid flow passage on the same or a different side of the base body. In other words, the base body 27 serves, inter alia, as an intermediate or connecting part between a plurality of parallel spaced apart fluid flow passages.

[0086] The two fluid flow paths according to FIGS. 7 and 8 are each formed substantially identically to the fluid flow path 3 according to the first configuration example. That is, each of the two fluid flow paths of the second configuration example has two coil elements 5 with valve seats arranged on the front side, a connecting receptacle / port 6 for, for example, additional (plug-in) valves, several (preferably four) spouts 4 for additional lines and other hydraulic components, and several (preferably three) fluid connection portions 9, all of which are integrally formed with the two fluid flow paths. The respective connecting receptacles 6 are arranged laterally on the base body 27 so that they face in opposite directions and are therefore accessible from the lateral outside of the base body 27 without interfering with each other. Three of the several spouts 4 are arranged on one (front) side of the base body 27, and one of the several spouts 4 is arranged laterally (parallel to each connecting receptacle 6). The several fluid connection portions 9 are all arranged on the mounting side, i.e., on the longitudinal side of each fluid flow path facing away from the spouts 4. The base body 27 has several, preferably four, bores 8 and several, preferably two, plug windows 10. The front side of the base body 27 is provided with a Data Matrix code 28 and a type label 29 marking. The base body 27 has a female connection receptacle 30 similar to that described in the first configuration example. The female connection receptacle 30 is formed in the shape of a rotated keyhole and is suitable for and provided to be hooked onto a male connection element 13 arranged on an additional mounting adapter 31 (see FIG. 9 ). Here, the mounting adapter 31 is in turn provided for connection to a holder / retaining plate / carrier 32.

[0087] 9 shows a schematic diagram of the individual components of the valve island 1 configuration according to the second configuration example having two snap-in valves 14. The two snap-in valves 14 are respectively connected to the coupling receptacle 6, the valve lock element (extension clip / pin) 23, the mounting adapter 31, and the carrier (optionally) or to the carrier's connecting portion 32 as a mounting interface.

[0088] In this case, the mounting adapter 31 functions as a spacer to create a gap between the valve island 1 and the connecting part 32 of the carrier. This is necessary in the second configuration example due to the special design in which the fluid connecting part 9 is located on the mounting side (side facing the carrier) of the valve island 1. Similarly, a gap is necessary for one of the two stretch valves connected to the connecting receptacle 6, in which the spool body 17 of the snap-in valve is at an angle of 90° to the connecting part 15 of the snap-in valve in the direction towards the carrier.

[0089] Unlike the valve island 1 of the first configuration example, in which the connecting base plate 12 of the base body 2 has the male connecting element 13, the mounting adapter 31 has at least one of the above-mentioned male connecting elements (hooks) 13 on the side facing the valve island. The side of the mounting adapter 31 facing the carrier further has several (preferably three) bores suitable for attachment to the carrier, and correspondingly similar bores are provided thereto.

[0090] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a front view of the overall configuration of the valve island 1 of the second configuration example. In this view, the valve island 1 is attached to the carrier via a mounting adapter 31 (not shown in this view) and locked via an expansion mandrel 23 (see FIG. 5). Two snap-in valves 14 are connected / inserted into the coupling receptacles 6 of the base body 27 and fixed / axially secured via mounting clips / splints 22. A sensor 33 is optionally inserted into the fluid connection portion 20 of the snap-in valve 14 and one of the fluid connection portions of the base body 27.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of a hydraulic assembly 34 in a dialysis machine including a balance chamber 35 and a valve island 1 according to a second configuration example.

[0092] The assembly tower (housing part of the dialysis machine) 36 preferably has a mounting plate 37 that serves as a mounting surface or mounting plane / carrier for the valve island 1 and, optionally, the balance chamber 35. The mounting plate 37 is provided by the U-shaped frame of the assembly tower 36. The space defined / enclosed by the assembly tower 36 is divided into front and rear spatial sections by the mounting plate 37. The valve island 1 is attached to the mounting plate 37 in the area below the balance chamber 35, according to FIG. 11.

[0093] The balance chamber 35 is mounted on a plate-like subassembly 38 which is planarly mounted on the mounting plate 37 and forms a common plane with the mounting plate 37 .

[0094] 12 shows a schematic diagram of a first example configuration of a valve island 1, which is attached to a mounting angle 39, which in turn is attached to an insert seat 40. Mounting via the mounting angle 39 causes the valve island 1 to be oriented at a 90° angle relative to the insert seat 40. The insert seat 40 is suitable for and provided for insertion or sliding into a hydraulic assembly, for example, preferably an assembly tower of a dialysis machine.

[0095] 13 shows a schematic diagram of the individual components of the subassembly with a mixing element 41 integrated in the fluid flow path of the check valve 42. The check valve 42 with the integrated mixing element 41 is provided and suitable for insertion into a connecting receptacle 6' of the subassembly via a connecting portion 15' of the check valve 42 or into a connecting receptacle 6 of the valve island 1 (see e.g. FIG. 1) for a tight and form-fitting radial connection to the fluid flow path of the conductivity measuring sensor 43 or to the valve island 1. As already shown in FIG. 6, the connection is suitable for axial fixation via a mounting clip 22' as a mounting element.

[0096] 14 shows a schematic view of the individual parts of a further configuration of a subassembly with a mixing element 44 integrated into the valve seat 16′ of a snap-in valve 14′. The snap-in valve 14′ with the integrated mixing element 44 is provided and suitable to be inserted via the connecting portion 15″ of the snap-in valve 14′ into the connecting receptacle 6′ of the subassembly or the connecting receptacle 6 of the valve island 1 (see, for example, FIG. 1 ) to be connected in a radially tight and form-fitting manner to the fluid flow path of the conductivity measuring sensor 43 or the valve island 1. A check valve 42 (here without a mixing element) is provided and suitable to be inserted via the connecting portion 15′ of the check valve 42 into the connecting receptacle 6″ of the snap-in valve 14′ to be connected in a radially tight and form-fitting manner to the snap-in valve 14′. FIG. 14 therefore shows the following connection configuration: check valve 42, snap-in valve 14′ with integrated mixing element 41′, and conductivity measuring sensor 43.

[0097] 15 shows a schematic diagram of a further variation of the mixing element as mixing element 45. A plurality of flow channels 46 are arranged parallel to each other and to the central axis A of the mixing element 45 within the fully cylindrical mixing element 41''. Eight flow channels of circular cross section 47 are equally spaced circumferentially in close proximity to the periphery of the mixing element 45. Four flow channels of hexagonal cross section 48 are equally spaced circumferentially in close proximity to the central axis A.

[0098] 16 shows a cross-section along plane AA of the central axis A of the mixing element 45, which is integrally connected to the connecting part 15''' by injection molding or additive manufacturing. The mixing element 41'' can be overmolded with the connecting part 15''' as a pre-formed part. The following items are elements that are included in the claims of the international application: (Item 1) A valve island (1) for a hydraulic assembly for an extracorporeal blood treatment device, preferably a dialysis device, comprising a base body (2, 27) in which at least one fluid flow path (3) is formed / integrally arranged, A valve island (1), characterized in that the base body (2, 27) is manufactured by additive manufacturing or injection molding. (Item 2) Item 1. The valve island (1) according to item 1, wherein at least one valve portion (5) is integrally formed with said base body (2, 27). (Item 3) Item 1. The valve island (1) according to item 1, wherein the valve portion (5) is arranged in the base body (2, 27) so as to be rotatable in stages. (Item 4) 4. The valve island (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein at least one connecting receptacle (6) is integrally formed in the base body (2, 27), and a hydraulic component can be fluidly and reliably connected to at least one fluid flow path (3) via the base body (2, 27). (Item 5) 5. The valve island (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein at least one spout (4) is integrally formed in the base body (2, 27), and a fluid line is fluidly connectable to the at least one fluid flow path (3) through the base body (2, 27). (Item 6) 6. The valve island (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein at least one fluid connection portion (9) and / or mechanical connection portion (9) is integrally formed in the base body (2, 27), and components are fluidly and / or mechanically connectable via the base body (2, 27). (Item 7) 7. The valve island (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein at least one connection portion (11, 30) is formed on the base body (2, 27), and the valve island (1) can be connected to a connection portion of the carrier (24) or a mounting adapter (13) that fits thereto via the base body (2, 27). (Item 8) 5. The valve island (1) according to item 4, wherein the hydraulic component is a valve (14) fluidly and securely connected to the at least one fluid flow path via the connecting receptacle (6). (Item 9) 9. The valve island (1) according to item 8, wherein the valve comprises a connecting portion (15) that is inserted into the connecting receptacle (6) and is fixed thereto via a mounting element (22). (Item 10) 9. The valve island (1) according to item 8, wherein a mixing element (41) for mixing fluids is integrated into the fluid flow path of the valve (14) or valve (42, 14'). (Item 11) 9. The valve island (1) according to item 8, wherein the mixing element (44) is integrated into the valve seat of the valve (14, 14'). (Item 12) 5. The valve island (1) according to item 4, wherein the hydraulic component is a mixing element (45) fluidly and securely connected to the fluid flow path or to the at least one fluid flow path (3) via the connecting receptacle (6) or the connecting receptacle (6′, 6″). (Item 13) Item 13. The valve island (1) according to item 12, wherein the mixing element (45) comprises a connecting portion (15''') inserted into the connecting receptacle (6, 6', 6'') via an attachment element (22') and fixed thereto. (Item 14) A hydraulic assembly for an extracorporeal blood treatment device comprising a carrier on which at least one valve island (1) according to any one of items 1 to 13 is indirectly or directly arranged. (Item 15) Item 15. The hydraulic assembly according to item 14, wherein the carrier includes a surface (37) on which the at least one valve island (1) is provided. (Item 16) 16. A hydraulic assembly according to item 14 or 15, wherein the one or more valve islands (1) are attachable or detachable to a common side. (Item 17) 17. A hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising the valve island (1), wherein the carrier has at least one adapted connection portion (24) connected to a connection portion of the base body (11). (Item 18) 18. A hydraulic assembly according to any one of items 14 to 17, comprising the valve island (1) and a mounting adapter (31), having at least one adapted connection portion (13) connected to the connection portion of the base body (30) and at least one secondary connection portion (32) connected to the carrier. (Item 19) 19. A dialysis machine comprising the hydraulic assembly according to any one of items 14 to 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Valve Island 2 Base body 3 Fluid flow path 4 spout 5 Coil element, valve part 6, 6' Connecting Receptacle 7. Depression 8 bore 9 Fluid / Mechanical Interface 10 Plug Window 11 Connection part 12 Connection base plate 13 Male connecting element 14, 14' snap-in valve 15, 15′, 15′′, 15′′′ Connecting part 16, 16' Snap-in valve seat 17 Snap-in valve coil element 18 O-ring 19 Snap-in valve spout 20 Snap-in valve fluid / mechanical connection 21 Protrusion 22, 22′ Mounting clip, mounting element 23 Extended Clip / Valve Lock Element 24 Carrier connection part 25 Carrier female connection receptacle 26 Carrier bore 27 Base Body 28 Data Matrix Code 29 Marking type label 30 Connection receptacle of base body, connection part of base body 31 Mounting adapter 32 Carrier connection part, secondary connection part 33 Sensors 34 Hydraulic Assembly 35 Balance Chamber 36 Assembly Tower 37 Mounting plate, mounting surface 38 Subassemblies 39 Mounting angle 40 Insert Sheet 41 Mixed elements 42 Check valve 43 Conductivity measurement sensor 44 Mixed elements 45 Mixed elements 46 Mixing element flow path 47 Flow path with circular cross section 48 Flow channel with hexagonal cross section

Claims

1. 1. A valve island for a hydraulic assembly for an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprising a base body having formed therein or integrally disposed thereon at least one fluid flow path in the form of a tube, the base body being manufactured by additive manufacturing or injection molding, and a valve being disposed at each of a plurality of axial ends of the fluid flow path; The valve island is characterized in that it has at least two spouts integrally formed in the base body, which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the at least one fluid flow path, through which a fluid line can be fluidly connected to the at least one fluid flow path, and which are fluidly spaced apart from each other so that one spout is assigned to only one of the plurality of valves.

2. The valve island of claim 1 , wherein at least one valve mounting portion is integrally formed with the base body.

3. The valve island according to claim 1 , wherein the coil element of the valve is arranged in the base body so as to be rotatable in stages.

4. 4. The valve island according to claim 1, wherein at least one connecting receptacle is integrally formed in the base body, via which a hydraulic component can be fluidly and securely connected to at least one fluid flow path.

5. 2. The valve island according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one fluid connection portion and / or mechanical connection portion is integrally formed in the base body, via which a sensor component or a hydraulic component can be fluidly and / or mechanically connected.

6. The valve island of claim 4 , wherein the hydraulic component is a valve fluidly and securely connected to the at least one fluid flow path via the connection receptacle.

7. The valve island of claim 6, wherein the valve comprises a coupling portion that is inserted into the coupling receptacle and is fixed thereto via a mounting element.

8. 7. The valve island according to claim 6, characterized in that the hydraulic component in the form of a valve comprises a mixing element for mixing fluids, which is integrated into the fluid flow path of the hydraulic component in the form of a valve or check valve.

9. 7. Valve island according to claim 6, characterized in that the hydraulic component in the form of a valve comprises a mixing element for mixing fluids, which is integrated into a valve seat of the hydraulic component in the form of the valve.

10. The valve island of claim 4, wherein the hydraulic component is a mixing element for mixing fluids, fluidly and securely connected to the fluid flow path or to the at least one fluid flow path via the connecting receptacle or connecting receptacle.

11. 11. The valve island of claim 10, wherein the mixing element comprises a coupling portion inserted into the coupling receptacle via a mounting element and secured thereto.

12. A hydraulic assembly for an extracorporeal blood treatment device comprising a carrier on which at least one valve island according to claim 1 is indirectly or directly disposed.

13. The hydraulic assembly of claim 12 , wherein the carrier includes a surface on which the at least one valve island is disposed.

14. 14. A hydraulic assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more valve islands are attachable or detachable to a common side of the hydraulic assembly.

15. The hydraulic assembly of claim 12, including the valve island, wherein the carrier has at least one adapted connection portion that connects to a connection portion of the base body.

16. 13. The hydraulic assembly of claim 12, comprising the valve island and a mounting adapter, and having at least one adapted connection portion connected to a connection portion of the base body and at least one carrier connection portion connected to the carrier.

17. A dialysis machine comprising the hydraulic assembly of claim 12.

Images